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A mere two months prior that Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery berated him over not reading a through-ball. During that period, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained if his displays were a sign or a cause of Villa's wider issues.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. As Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, now sit just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?

That’s a particularly tough question to answer. History, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing this season, even as the positive results have accumulated.

According to the data, twice all season has the side had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a club that have put together 10 in a row, Villa seem curiously susceptible – however at the moment the margins are going in their favour.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for Rogers to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened against United.

The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

How Long Can This Continue?

Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.

Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival the club will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.

Reasons for Optimism

Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.

• Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
• Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
• The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.

This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.

Enjoying the Ride

But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.

This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the match-winner faced the North End after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.